MOGADISHU — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has urged traditional leaders to endorse universal suffrage, stating that restoring citizens’ voting rights is vital for the nation’s advancement, during a state dinner for elders from various regions at the presidential palace .
During the gathering at Villa Somalia, Mohamud emphasized that Somalia must transition to a “one person, one vote” system following years of indirect elections . President Mohamud has firmly advocated for a transition to direct elections, declaring that the country has advanced beyond the traditional indirect voting system.
“The country is ready for a ‘one-person, one-vote’ system,” the president has stated. “Indirect elections are a relic of the past; they are no longer relevant.”
Commitment to Universal Suffrage
“We are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the Somali people reclaim their constitutional right to choose their leaders,” he stated, connecting unfinished electoral processes to persistent security issues .
The president informed the elders about government initiatives in security, institutional development, decentralization, and combating Al-Shabaab militants .
Traditional Leaders Endorse Electoral Reforms in Baidoa
This is not the first time President Mohamud has engaged traditional elders on the transition to universal suffrage. During a strategic meeting with senior traditional elders in Baidoa, the president heavily stressed the absolute importance of traditional leaders maintaining active involvement in Somalia’s historic transition to a “one-person, one-vote” electoral system. He formally praised the elders for their vital historical role in maintaining community unity, mediating localized conflicts, and consistently supporting the expansion of national governance.
In response, the senior traditional elders formally expressed their deep gratitude for the President’s direct engagement and voiced strong, unified backing for the Federal Government’s overarching plan to implement the universal suffrage electoral model, signaling a major political victory for Villa Somalia .
Acknowledging Elders’ Peacebuilding Role
He acknowledged traditional leaders’ contributions to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and preserving national unity, encouraging them to support democratic reforms . President Mohamud has previously emphasized that elders continue to be pivotal in peace initiatives and community involvement, stressing the importance of enhanced collaboration between customary leaders and governmental bodies to address regional issues.
The head of state affirmed that his administration is dedicated to partnering with elders to reinforce peace-building processes, enhance public services, and maintain stability throughout the nation, indicating that continuous partnership with traditional governance frameworks would be essential in building confidence between local communities and the central government .
Federal Commitment to Democratic Transition
Federal authorities remain committed to implementing universal suffrage in South West State, with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre declaring that there will be no elections in Baidoa or across South West other than a one-person, one-vote process. “We will not allow, in any way, disorder, revenge, clan-based discrimination or any trouble in Baidoa,” Prime Minister Hamza stated.
The call for widespread participation has been echoed by senior government officials, with Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi urging citizens across the country to register for the upcoming elections. “Elections are a constitutional right that have been absent from the hands of the people for 56 years. Today that right has been restored to the citizens of Somalia. I encourage every Somali, wherever they live, to go out and register so they can decide their own future,” Fiqi said .
President Briefs International Partners
President Mohamud has also briefed international diplomats on the administration’s push to promote modernized democratic processes, signaling to international partners that the federal government remains committed to overhauling the traditional indirect voting system. The strategic gathering served to clarify the federal government’s roadmap amidst the rapidly evolving domestic political landscape.
Elders Welcome Dialogue and Democratic Reforms
Elders present at the meeting welcomed the dialogue, highlighting improvements in security and governance while expressing backing for increasing public involvement in elections . Elder participants voiced their willingness to contribute to nationwide initiatives focused on solidifying peace and promoting developmental progress.
Somalia is endeavoring to shift to universal suffrage after prolonged clan-based indirect voting, a change viewed as crucial for enhancing legitimacy and long-term stability .
However, the political landscape remains tense, as opposition leaders have gathered separately with Hawiye clan elders , announcing plans for a “national salvation” initiative as the president’s term approaches its conclusion next month. The federal government maintains that the extension is a constitutional necessity under the new constitution, while opposition figures and regional states reject this position .
Commitment to Domestic Funding and Institutional Trust
President Mohamud stressed that elected officials must accurately represent the people and cannot be selected based on the preferences of select politicians, emphasizing that citizens intrinsically deserve the right to vote directly . The president revealed that the ongoing preparations for the one-person, one-vote electoral process have been entirely funded through domestic sources, clarifying that “no foreign currency whatsoever” was utilized to finance the initiative.
In his conclusion, President Mohamud urged the nation to continue moving forward, highlighting that Somalia cannot afford to regress to the administrative stage it experienced following the collapse of the central government in 1991.
